Erie Shipbuilding is up and running and more details are emerging about its plans.

The company has taken over the Erie, Pa. shipyard formerly leased by Metro Machine and is a joint venture between Van Enkevort Tug and Barge (VET&B) and K&K Warehousing.

According to a press release issued by the State of Pennsylvania, "VET&B has committed to build a new 780-foot self-unloading laker (barge) and four 135-foot icebreaker certified tugs, which are scheduled to go into operation in 2008. The company has also committed to converting at least four additional 780 foot-long straight deckers and self-unloading barges in the next five years."

The Erie Port Authority and VET&B have entered into and executed a five-year lease with two renewable five-year options.

Last year, Pennsylvania offered $2 million to upgrade the vessel repairs facilities at the port, money that will be used by the Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to complete the dry dock for the new shipbuilder.